Tobago soca artiste Oscar B, who was part of the movement that made soca popular in Jamaica, died on June 28 at the age of 57.

The cause of death was reportedly complications from a stroke.

Oscar B sang alongside deejay Admiral Bailey on two massive hit songs for Byron Lee and the Dragonaires,
Soca Tatie (#1 in 1995) and Soca Butterfly (#1 in 1994).

Born Oscar Benjamin in Signal Hill, Tobago, he discovered his love for music while in the Signal Hill Alumni Choir.

The Division of Tourism, Antiquities and Creative Industries under the Tobago House of Assembly confirmed that a concert initially planned for June 28 to raise funds to assist the singer would proceed. It will pay tribute to Benjamin’s life and contributions to Caribbean culture.

In a release on Sunday, Tobago’s Ministry of Culture and Community Development described Oscar B as, “A cherished son of Tobago and a celebrated ambassador of our culture.”

Veteran soca artiste Austin “SuperBlue” Lyons was among those expressing condolence on social media.

“Waking up to sad news this morning hearing my dear friend Oscar B passed away. May you fly with the angels above until we meet again. Always enjoy watching your performance. You will be missed. Rest in peace,” he said in a post.

Former Trinidad and Tobago tourism, culture and the arts minister, Randall Mitchell, also expressed condolence in a post stating, “Oscar, boy we had some really good moments. Thank you for the entertainment and the performances, always. Fly high and rest in eternal peace.”

— Kevin Jackson